What have you been wearing for your walking trips over these recent holidays? I must confess I seriously considered wellies after one path disappeared into a 2 foot deep bog. But as someone once said, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.

Outdoor kit specialist Merrell has launched several new styles to its Mix Master footwear collection for autumn/winter 2012. The Mix Master collection is designed to be lightweight yet protective on varying terrains. Each product is built on a 4mm drop midsole which is 10% thinner and 25% lighter* to provide more feel and ground control.

When I read the marketing which arrived with the Merrell Wilderness Canyon boots with its references to retro design, limited editions and their recent showcase alongside finely tailored suits at catwalk shows I was instantly concerned that these were the ‘Chelsea Tractors’ of footwear; they look the part but are not really designed to venture off tarmac. My fears, although not completely unfounded, were a little extreme.

When I go walking I’m looking for footwear that gives me support without rubbing, doesn’t feel as though I’m dragging concrete blocks around on my feet and puts a bit of a spring in my step (well why not?)